Automatic battery charging control device and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An automatic battery control system for vehicles and the like, having a main battery used for motor starting and one or more auxiliary batteries, and wherein each of such batteries is connected to a diode or rectifier, and wherein the two or more diodes or rectifiers are connected to a common terminal which is connected to a generator, whereby the main and auxiliary batteries may be discharged independently of each other at their respective loads, and may be charged automatically from the common generator source, with the diodes or rectifiers preventing the batteries from discharging back through the common terminal.

United States Patent 1 1 Ownby Oct. 2, 1973 AUTOMATIC BATTERY CHARGINGCONTROL DEVICE AND APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Clifford l-l. Ownby, PO. Box6811,

Houston, Tex.

22 Filed: Dec. 2, 1968 [2]] App]. No.: 784,530

.- M.saeaz q sl miefiqn m, 3] Continuationof Ser. No. 532,299, March7,1266.

[52] U.S. Cl 320/6, 307/10, 307/48, 320/16, 320/53, 320/61 [51] Int. Cl.H02j 7/14 [58] Field of Search 320/5-7, 320/15-17, 25, 53-55, 61;307/10, 18, 29, 48,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Ganiere et al.

Warren 320/15 Dugan 320/7 x 9/1967 Rockoff 320/6 Primary ExaminerWilliamH. Beha, Jr. Attorney-Pravel, Wilson and Matthews [57] ABSTRACT Anautomatic battery control system for vehicles and the like, having amain battery used for motor starting and one or more auxiliarybatteries, and wherein each of such batteries is connectedto a diode orrectifier, and wherein the two or more diodes or rectifiers areconnected to a common terminal which is connected to a generator,whereby the main and auxiliary batteries may be discharged independentlyof each other at their respective loads, and may be chargedautomatically from the common generator source, with the diodes orrectifiers preventing the batteries from discharging back through thecommon terminal.

2 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures AUTOMATIC BATTERY CHARGING CONTROL DEVICEAND APPARATUS This application is a continuation of my copending U. S.Patent application Ser. No. 532,299 filed Mar. 7, l966.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus in combination witha new and improved automatic battery charging control device for variousapplications wherein a plurality of batteries are connected together forautomatically electrically charging same with a common generator oralternator as needed and for electrically discharging same independentlyof each other as used.

A further object of this invention is to provide an electrical systemfor a vehicle, boat or other unit having an engine which is started withbattery power from a first or main battery, wherein such system includesa second or auxiliary battery which may be used for operating electricalaccessories on or in conjunction with the vehicle, boat or other unitwithout discharging the first or main battery or otherwise causing it tolose its starting power for starting the engine, both of such batteriesbeing electrically connected to an automatic battery charging controldevice for charging same when the vehicle, boat or other unit isoperating.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device which may beadded to and used in conjunction with existing auto generators andalternators, without modifying the regulator circuit and with only minorchanges in wiring.

The preferred embodiment of this invention will be describedhereinafter, together with other features thereof, and additionalobjects will become evident from such description.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of thefollowing specification and by reference to the accompanying drawingsforming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown,and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a typical installation wherein the presentinvention may be utilized;

FIG. 2 is a schematic electrical diagram illustrating one electricalsystem which may utilize the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a modified electrical circuit wherein the automatic batterycharging control device is utilized;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the preferred form of the automaticbattery charging control device of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 to illustrate details ofthe device illustrated in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the device of FIG. 4, with a portion of thecentral part of the device removed to show details thereof.

In the drawings, the letter A designates generally the automatic batterycharging control device of this invention. By way of illustration, thedevice A is illustrated in FIG. 11 as being mounted in a pick-up truck Thaving a camper C mounted therewith. The automatic battery chargingcontrol device A is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 as beingdisposed between a generator or alternator G and a first battery 8-]which is used for starting the engine for the truck T and a secondbattery 8-2 which is used for operating accessories in the camper C. InFIG. 1 the accessories in the camper C are illustrated simply as a lightbulb L, although it will be appreciated from the more detaileddescription hereinafter that the accessories may be varied, and thearrangement of the electrical circuits and system employing theautomatic battery charging control device A may likewise be varied fromthat illustrated by way of example only in FIG. ll of the drawings.

Considering the invention more in detail, reference is first made toFIGS. 4-6 of the drawings, wherein the preferred form of the automaticbattery charging control device A is illustrated in detail. Asillustrated, the control device A preferably includes an integralstructure formed of extruded aluminum or similar material which has aplurality of upstanding ribs 10 which are formed integrally with a baseplate Ill and laterally extending base extensions 12 on either side ofthe base 111. It is to be noted that the ribs or fins 10 extend upwardlyand downwardly with respect to the extensions 12 and base 11 and theyserve as heat dissipating means, as will be more evident hereinafter.The outer ribs or fins are formed with laterally extending mountingflanges 14, each of which has an opening 14a therein for receiving ascrew or bolt to thereby mount the control device A in any suitableposition for use.

The innermost central ribs or fins 110a are spaced further apart thanthe other ribs or fins l0 and define, together with the base portion 11,a recess 11a for receiving a first rectifier R-ll and a second rectifierR-Z, the details of which will be explained, both of which are embeddedin a suitable type of potting compound such as phenol formaldehyde resinor an epoxy resin 20.

In the form of the invention illustrated in the draw ings, each of therectifiers R-ll and R-2 is formed with a plurality of diodes orrectifier elements 25 which are suitably threaded or press-fitted intoopenings 11b in the base Ill. The electrical leads 25a for each of thediodes or rectifier elements 25 is connected electrically to a bus barformed of copper or similar electrical conducting material indicated at30, and to which is connected a first output terminal 31 having a screwor other wire holding means 32 therewith. I

The second rectifier R-2 is formed in the same manneras the firstrectifier R-1 and like parts bear the same designations for bothrectifiers R-1 and R-Z, except that the second output terminal isdesignated 131 and the second wire holding means therewith is designated132.

A common input terminal 35 is mounted onone of the lateral extensions12, or the base 1 1 if preferred, by means of a screw 36 or otherattachment means so that there is direct electrical connection with therectifier elements or diodes 25 through the electrical conductionprovided by the metal conducting material of the base ill and thelateral extension 12. Such common input terminal 35 is thus directlyconnected to both of the rectifiers lR-ll and R-2. Normally, theterminal 35 has a substantially L"-shaped portion 35a for receiving aretaining screw or other attachment means (not shown) for receiving anelectrical wire connection as will be more fully explained. A screwsimilar to that illustrated at 32 in FIG. 5 would normally be insertedin the threaded opening 35b for the attachment of an electrical wire orconnection to the input terminal 35. Although the invention isillustrated with only two rectifiers a third or greater number ofrectifiers may be employed, each with its respective output terminal andmeans for connection to the input terminal.

In FIG. 2, one electrical system employing the automatic batterycharging control device A of this invention is illustrated, wherein aconventional generator G, and its field 40 are connected through avoltage regulator 41 of any conventional construction to the controldevice A at the common input terminal 35 so that all of the chargingcurrent from the generator passes through such terminal 35 to enable thevoltage regulator 41 or other current limiting device to provide itscurrent limiting function to the total generator output. The rectifiersR-l and R-2 are further illustrated in FIG. 2 as electrically connectedthrough the common input terminal 35 to the generator G. The firstrectifier R-l, which may take the form illustrated in detail in FIGS.4-6, has a first output terminal 31, while the second rectifier R-2,which likewise may take the form illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, has a.secondoutput terminal 131. The first output terminal 31 is connected to thefirst battery B-l while the second output terminal 131 is connected tothe second battery B2. The motor starter which is normally employed forstarting the engine in a vehicle is indicated at M in FIG. 2 and isconnected in the circuit with the battery 8-1. A typical ignition switch42 is connected through a solenoid switch 43 to the output terminal 131and also the battery B-2. The ignition switch 42 is connected to asolenoid 45 so that when the switch 42 is closed, the battery B-2provides the energization for closing the solenoid 45 to complete thecircuit from the battery 8-] to the starting motor M. If desired,ammeters 46 and 47 may be provided in the electrical circuits forindicating the current flow from the batteries B-1 and 8-2,respectively. It will be evident that the position of the ammeter inFIG. 2 may be changed in certain applications if current flow exceedsammeter ratings in the present position or if the illustrated positiondoes not allow for measurement of all current to or from the battery.

It is evident that there are two separate sources of power, namely,battery B-1 and battery B2 which provide power to their own respectiveloads but which are both charged from a common source through theautomatic battery charging control device A. The rectifiers permitcurrent to flow to the batteries for charging but block current flow inthe other direction.

This device may then be added to any existing automotive electricalsystem, whether alternator or generator, six volts or 12 volts.

The schematic illustrations in FIGS. 2 and 3 show negative groundsystems. For positive ground systems, the rectifiers shown would bereversed, with cathode toward generator to allow current for charging toflow in the opposite direction.

Assuming the vehicle electrical system is six volts, and the startingmotor M is to be started with only six volts, a starting switch 50 isleft in the open position illustrated in FIG. 2, but if the startingmotor only is 12 volts, or if for other reasons twelve volt starting isdesired, the switch 50 may be closed so that the battery B-2 energizessolenoid 51 to move the solenoid switch from the position shown in FIG.2 in solid lines at 52 to the dotted line position at 52a. Then, withthe ignition switch 42 closed, the batteries B-2 and 8-1 are connectedin series through the closed solenoid switch 45 to the starting motor Mto provide the combined voltage of twelve volts from the two six-voltbatteries B-1 and 8-2.

The accessories L are illustrated in FIG. 2 by a resistance since theymay take numerous forms, and it will be seen that the battery B-2provides the normal electrical voltage for such accessories L. Switchesare not indicated in connection with the accessories L, but suitable,conventional switches may be employed for turning the accessories on andoff.

It is evident then that regardless of normal vehicle voltage, six voltsor 12 volts, the switch 50, the solenoid 51 and switch 52 are used toprovide twice the normal vehicle voltage to the starter motor whilestill providing normal voltage to accessories.

Should either of the batteries 8-1 or 8-2 be discharged, it may bedesirable to obtain power from the other battery automatically withouthaving to use a jumper cable. For this purpose, a special emergencybattery switch circuit consisting of switch 55, rectifiers 56 and 57,solenoid switch 58, and an indicator light 59 are employed. Normally,the switch 55 is open and the indicator light 59 is not lit. The switch58 is also in the open position illustrated in FIG. 2 when the switch 55is open. Thus, in the event the battery B-2 is dead or weak, and it isdesired to operate the accessories L, the switch 55 may be moved to theclosed position which will turn on the indicator light 59 and will closethe solenoid switch 58 so that the battery B-l is then electricallyconnected through the solenoid switches 58 and 43 to the accessories L.If, on the other hand, the battery 8-1 is dead or weak, and it isdesired to use the battery 3-2 for starting the motor M, the switch 55may be closed so that the indicator light 59 is on and the switch 58 isclosed, whereby the battery B-2 is connected through the ignition switch42 to initially close the solenoid 45 and so as to then connectelectrically the battery B-2 through the solenoid switches 45 and 58with the motor starter M. The switch 55 and the light 59 would normallybe mounted inside the vehicle so the system may be used in emergencywhen one battery has become discharged through a short circuit ornegligence in leaving on an accessory such as lights for an extendedperiod of time. The pilot light 59 could be labeled Emergency Batteryand would provide a warning that the emergency battery system is beingused and battery or electrical service should be obtained as soon aspossible so that the system may be returned to normal.

The arrangement of rectifiers 56 and 57 is such that a common connectionis provided for the switch 55 and at the same time current leak from onebattery to the other is prevented.

Therefore the solenoid 58 and light 59 obtain power from either batteryor both batteries automatically no matter which is discharged.

The present invention may also be employed for charging an externalbattery indicated at B-3 with suitable plug-in connections 60 and 61 ofany conventional type. A rectifier or diode 62' is provided in thecircuit to the electrical contact or connector 60 as illustrated in FIG.2, the purpose of which is to prevent current from the battery 8-3 fromentering the vehicle electrical system while allowing current to passfrom the vehicle electrical system into the battery B-3. Assuming thebattery 8-3 is a l2-volt battery and each of batteries B-1 and 8-2 inthe vehicle electrical system is 12 volts, and it is desired to chargethe battery 8-3 with 24 volts, a charging switch having movableelectrical contacts 62 and 63 is moved from the off position shown inFIG. 2 to a first position with the contact 62 in engagement with anelectrical contact point 64 which completes an electrical circuit fromthe generator G to the solenoid 51 to move the switch S2 to the position520. The generator G is assumed to provide l2-volts, which comes throughthe rectifier R-2 and the terminal output 131, and then through leadline 66, and the closed switch 52a to join in series with the battery8-]. The generator voltage of l2-volts and the battery voltage of12-volts from the battery 8-1 are thus added together to provide the 24volts at the external battery 3-3 for charging same. It is to be notedthat with this circuit, the battery 3-2 is in parallel with thegenerator and will also provide current for charging.

In some applications it will be desirable to prevent the battery 8-2from providing current to the above described charging circuit. This isdone by eliminating the current path 66 or otherwise isolating it bymeans of a switch-either manual or electromechanical, and adding currentpath I66 (dotted). Then generator current is provided through path 35.69, 1166, and switch 52a to the batteries B1 and B3. Battery B-2 is notdischarged in such application.

In the event it is desirable to provide 36 volt charging voltage, thecharging switch 62 and 63 is further rotated counterclockwise to engagethe electrical contact 62 with a terminal 68 and electrical contact 63with the terminal'64. The line 69 leading from the generator G is thusconnected through the electrical contact 62 to the terminal 68 and thento electrical lead line 70 which has a solenoid 71 connected therewith.The solenoid 711 is normally in the position indicated in solid lines at72, but when the switch 62 is in engagement with the contact 68, theswitch 72 moves to the dotted line position indicated at 72a. Also,'thevoltage from the generator G moves through the line 69, the terminal 68and the line 75to another solenoid 76 which controls the switch 43 toswitch it from the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 to the dottedline position 43a. In the dotted line position 43a, the generator G issupplying only l2-volts to either the accessories L or the ignitionsystem through the switch 42, even though 36 volts are being supplied tothe battery 8-3. The electrical contact 63 causes the circuit to becomplete from the generator through the solenoid 51 to move the switch52 to the position shown in 52a. Thus, the generator voltage flowsthrough the line 77, the closed switch 72a and is in series with thebattery 8-2 which flow together through the line 66 and the closedswitch 520 to join in series with the battery B-l so that the 36 voltsare supplied to the terminals 60 and 61 for charging the battery 3-3. Itshould be understood that the vehicle engine should have been startedbefore charging switches are operated to prevent charging voltage acrossthe starting motor M.

In FIG. 3, another form of the electrical system of this inventionemploying the control device A is illustrated to further illustratevarious applications in which the control device A may be utilized. Analternator 6-11 is shown schematically with connections to a typicalregulator 141 in the known manner. The control device A is connected byan electrical lead line 80 which extends from the alternator line 81 tothe common input terminal 35. It is to be noted that because the controldevice A includes the two rectifiers R-ll and R-2, there is an equalvoltage drop in each circuit connected with the respective rectifiersR-ll and R-2, which enables the regulator 1411 to provide equal chargingvoltage to both batteries so that if one battery is discharged, it willdraw a greater amount of current than the one which is charged.

In the form of the electrical system illustrated in FIG. 3, switches 82and 83 represent the ignition and accessory switch which is common onmost vehicles. When the switch 82 is closed, the solenoid 1145 isenergized to close the circuit from the main battery B4 to the motorstarter M. The closing of the switch 83 likewise provides power for thetruck lightsTL and other electrical equipment within the truck T itselffrom the auxiliary battery 13-11.

All of the electrical power for the accessories L in the camper C orother auxiliary unit is provided by the battery B2. Ammeters I46 and 147for the batteries 34 and 8-2, respectively, are preferably provided.

From the foregoing illustrations of applications wherein the controldevice A may be utilized, it is believed evident that various electricalsystems and apparatus may be operated in conjunction with the device A.With such device A, both of the batteries 8-] and B-2, and anyadditional batteries which may be employed in other circuits may be keptcharged while also available for use separately, or in variouscombinations.

The term rectifier as used herein and in the claims includes not onlythe diode rectifiers previously described, but also transistors, solidstate electronic devices, and other electrical devices adapted to permitthe flow of electrical current in only one direction.

The term generator as used herein and in claims includes both generatorsand alternators.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention isillustrative and explanatory thereof and various changes in the size,shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustratedconstruction, may be made within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

11. An automatic battery control system for vehicles and the like,comprising:

a. a first electrical circuit having a first battery therein;

b. a second electrical circuit having a second battery therein;

c. a generator;

d. a first rectifier connected in said first electrical circuit forpermitting flow of electrical current in only the one direction fromsaid generator to said first battery and for blocking current flow inthe opposite direction;

e. a second rectifier connected in said second electrical circuit forpermitting flow of electrical current in only the one direction fromsaid generator to said second battery and for blocking current flow inthe opposite direction;

f. a common terminal connected to both said first rectifier and saidsecond rectifier and to said generator for charging both of saidbatteries from the common generator as needed;

g. said first circuit having a terminal connected to said firstrectifier at the side of the first rectifier opposite from said commonterminal and to which said first battery is connected;

h. means in said first electrical circuit for connecting a firstelectrical load to said first battery for discharging same independentlyof said second battery;

i. said second circuit having a terminal connected to said secondrectifier at the side of the second rectifier opposite from said commonterminal and to which said second battery is connected;

j. means in said second electrical circuit for connecting a secondelectrical load to said second battery for discharging sameindependently of said first battery;

k. switch means including a relay connected to said first electricalcircuit through a first switch rectifier and connected to said secondelectrical circuit through a second switch rectifier so that power maybe drawn from either or both of said electrical circuits to operate therelay;

an additional electrical circuit connecting said first and secondelectrical circuits in parallel through said relay when in the closedposition; and m. said first and second switch rectifiers preventing saidfirst battery and said second battery from discharging from one to theother.

2. An automatic battery control system for vehicles and the like,comprising:

a. a first electrical circuit having a first battery therein;

b. a second electrical circuit having a second battery therein;

c. a generator; I

d. a first rectifier connected in said first electrical circuit forpermitting flow of electrical current in only the one direction fromsaid generator to said first battery and for blocking current flow inthe opposite direction;

e. a second rectifier connected in said second electrical circuit forpermitting flow of electrical current in only the one direction fromsaid generator to said second battery and for blocking current flow inthe opposite direction;

f. a common terminal connected to both said first rectifier and saidsecond rectifier and to said generator for charging both of saidbatteries from the common generator as needed;

g. said first circuit having a terminal connected to said firstrectifier at the side of the first rectifier opposite from said commonterminal and to which said first battery is connected;

h. means in said first electrical circuit for connecting a firstelectrical load to said first battery for discharging same independentlyof said second battery;

. said second circuit having a terminal connected to k. said generatorbeing connected to said common terminal for charging each of saidbatteries and furnishing current for each of said electrical loadsthrough its respective rectifier;

l. a third electrical circuit connected to said first electrical circuitand having a third battery therein;

m. means for selectively connecting said first and second electricalcircuit and generator in series for charging a third battery; and

n. means for isolating the third electrical circuit to prevent the thirdbattery from discharging into said first and second electrical circuitsand generator circuit.

1. An automatic battery control system for vehicles and the like,comprising: a. a first electrical circuit having a first batterytherein; b. a second electrical circuit having a second battery therein;c. a generator; d. a first rectifier connected in said first electricalcircuit for permitting flow of electrical current in only the onedirection from said generator to said first battery and for blockingcurrent flow in the opposite direction; e. a second rectifier connectedin said second electrical circuit for permitting flow of electricalcurrent in only the one direction from said generator to said secondbattery and for blocking current flow in the opposite direction; f. acommon terminal connected to both said first rectifier and said secondrectifier and to said generator for charging both of said batteries fromthe common generator as needed; g. said first circuit having a terminalconnected to said first rectifier at the side of the first rectifieropposite from said common terminal and to which said first battery isconnected; h. means in said first electrical circuit for connecting afirst electrical load to said first battery for discharging sameindependently of said second battery; i. said second circuit having aterminal connected to said second rectifier at the side of the secondrectifier opposite from said common terminal and to which said secondbattery is connected; j. means in said second electrical circuit forconnecting a second electrical load to said second battery fordischarging same independently of said first battery; k. switch meansincluding a relay connected to said first electrical circuit through afirst switch rectifier and connected to said second electrical circuitthrough a second switch rectifier so that power may be drawn from eitheror both of said electrical circuits to operate the relay; l. anadditional electrical circuit connecting said first and secondelectrical circuits in parallel through said relay when in the closedposition; and m. said first and second switch rectifiers preventing saidfirst battery and said second battery from discharging from one to theother.
 2. An automatic battery control system for vehicles and the like,comprising: a. a first electrical circuit having a first batterytherein; b. a second electrical circuit having a second battery therein;c. a generator; d. a first rectifier connected in said first electricalcircuit for permitting flow of electrical current in only the onedirection from said generator to said first battery and for blockingcurrent flow in the opposite direction; e. a second rectifier connectedin said second electrical circuit for permitting flow of electricalcurrent in only the one direction from said generator to said secondbattery and for blocking current flow in the opposite direction; f. acommon terminal connected to both saId first rectifier and said secondrectifier and to said generator for charging both of said batteries fromthe common generator as needed; g. said first circuit having a terminalconnected to said first rectifier at the side of the first rectifieropposite from said common terminal and to which said first battery isconnected; h. means in said first electrical circuit for connecting afirst electrical load to said first battery for discharging sameindependently of said second battery; i. said second circuit having aterminal connected to said second rectifier at the side of the secondrectifier opposite from said common terminal and to which said secondbattery is connected; j. means in said second electrical circuit forconnecting a second electrical load to said second battery fordischarging same in dependently of said first battery; k. said generatorbeing connected to said common terminal for charging each of saidbatteries and furnishing current for each of said electrical loadsthrough its respective rectifier; l. a third electrical circuitconnected to said first electrical circuit and having a third batterytherein; m. means for selectively connecting said first and secondelectrical circuit and generator in series for charging a third battery;and n. means for isolating the third electrical circuit to prevent thethird battery from discharging into said first and second electricalcircuits and generator circuit.